AN exhibition of Quentin Blake’s BFG watercolours, some of which have not been seen before, is among an exciting series of shows planned by The Bowes Museum this year.
The world-famous illustrator will be forever associated with the books of Roald Dahl.
The 85-year-old won the international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2002 – the highest recognition available to creators of children’s books.
The exhibition of his work at The Bowes Museum is expected to be a massive attraction for families during the summer holidays.
The BFG In Pictures show, which features original Blake illustrations prepared for Dahl’s classic story, will be curated by the artist and contain 40 original artworks, including unpublished illustrations of The BFG. Children’s activities to coincide with the exhibition will also be organised.
Richard Welsby, head of finance for the museum, said: “We are looking at ways to involve families in that.”
The exhibition runs from July 14 to September 30. It is not yet known if Blake will attend the show.
The BFG in Pictures exhibition featured at London’s House of Illustration until October 2016. It first appeared to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth. The details were revealed during Barnard Castle Town Council’s partnership committee meeting on Monday, February 5.
Mr Welsby, head of finance for the museum, said: “Looking forward we have quite a strong exhibition programme this year.
“In March we have got a collection from the Royal Collection coming up from Queen Victoria’s visit to Paris in the 19th century.”
The Bowes Museum is one of only four venues to stage Queen Victoria in Paris.
It brings together 51 watercolours created for and by Queen Victoria to remember the events of the visit.
Mr Welsby added that portrait artist Jonathan Yeo would present a “quite challenging show” about cosmetic surgery. It will run from March 24 to June 24. Titled Skin Deep it will include well known and acclaimed works, as well as recent oil paintings charting the latest developments in aesthetic enhancement.
Working from archival photos and observing cosmetic surgeons first hand, the works show patients in pre and post-operative states. It runs from March 10 until June 17.
Mr Welsby added: “In two or three weeks time we will be looking at making an announcement about a significant fashion exhibition in the summer.”
